Last updated: April 15, 2024
Thing to Do
Watch Peregrine Falcons at Devils Courthouse
NPS Photo / Mitch Urban
Do not go over the retaining wall at the top of Devil’s Courthouse. It is a peregrine falcon nesting location and they are easily disturbed.
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers many diverse habitats that attract a wide range of bird species. The unique topography along the southern end of the Parkway has geographical features particularly suitable for the magnificent peregrine falcon: isolated towering rocky ledges with widespread views ideal for the nesting sites required for these raptors. Peregrine falcons were on the brink of extinction in the 1970’s due to their limited distribution and the impacts of the pesticide DDT. Thanks to successful captive breeding and release programs, birds breeding in the area afterward, and birds moving through in migration from parts north, peregrine falcons can be spotted along the Blue Ridge Parkway today.
Peregrine watching takes luck and patience. Spots along the Parkway to watch in the spring and early summer include Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain, Looking Glass Rock, Graveyard Fields, and Waterrock Knob. But one of the best places to look is Devils Courthouse. Often you will see vultures and other soaring birds here. It is also a great place to birdwatch for high elevation species like winter wren, dark-eyed junco, hermit thrush, veery, Canada warbler, and other neotropical migrants. But keep an eye out for peregrines. Their pointy wings (which all falcons have) are useful in field identification.
In the late summer peregrines from farther north may be migrating through the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor heading south. Peregrines spend winter in the tropics until they return early the next year. At Devils Courthouse, watch for peregrines pursuing smaller birds. They will dive bomb birds from above as they cross the gap in the trees beneath the rock promontory. During migration they do a lot of this type of hunting, taking medium-sized birds like northern flicker, mourning dove, blue jay, American robin, wood thrush and others. Peregrines follow the long ridge lines in the Blue Ridge Mountains as they are helped along by wind, updrafts, and thermals as they migrate, fly, and hunt. Viewing of the falcons is best from the parking lot.
Peregrine falcons return to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the early spring. Most nesting occurs from March until early June. They typically sit on four eggs for about four weeks. After hatching, it takes about forty days for the chicks to fledge. The parents will still feed the fledglings as they learn to fly and hunt on their own. If the birds are late nesters there can be activity into late summer.
While courtship flights occur, a disruption in egg-laying, incubation, or hatching exists at DCH. Devils Courthouse was a known nest site from 2000–2007 and then again in 2016. No additional nests have been successful. Lack of nesting success may be attributed to increased visitor traffic climbing over the rock retaining walls at the top of the Devils Courthouse, which brings humans too close to the peregrine falcon nest site, and from other forms of harassment, including noise/music, drones, and rock throwing. Though no longer federally listed, successful peregrine fledglings have not returned to the numbers desired for this site.
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Driving time to Devils Courthouse varies depending on where you access the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, there is no predetermined time allotment for how long you must stay at the overlook. Take your time. Watch and listen for birds, then move on at a leisurely pace. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic motor road meant for driving enjoyment. Overlook views are intended to be savored.
Activity
Birdwatching
This is a self-guided activity focused on birdwatching, specifically hawk watching with viewing peregrine falcons as the main objective. This southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway encompasses some of the most beautiful scenery of the drive and will reveal expansive views of rolling mountains, towering rock formations, and rich biological diversity. Simply birdwatching at the Devils Courthouse is rewarding, spying a Peregrine falcon would be a rare treat.
Age(s)
10 and Older
Birdwatching is an activity that is available to anyone who wants to try it. It can be a great family activity. Kids who start birdwatching young may continue the hobby into their adult years. Seeking the elusive peregrine falcon and finding it could be just the spark that ignites a child’s passion for the environment.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are required to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Ordinarily you will not see birdwatchers with their pets along. Birdwatching takes time and patience, which leaves your pet waiting for long periods. Please take this into consideration.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Devils Courthouse, Milepost 422
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Peregrine falcons use the heating of the day to fly using thermals. Mid-morning until mid-afternoon are good times to see them soaring. In the evening they will go back to their roost, so watching the rock cliff or rock face in late afternoon can also help with viewing.
Accessibility Information
The best spot for viewing peregrine falcons at Devils Courthouse is from the overlook. It is a large paved parking area with a large grassy median that separates it from the Parkway. A level sidewalk with one step up separates the parking area from a narrow strip of grass and a sloping drop off to the forest below. Birdwatchers can stand in the parking area (if safe) or they can step up onto the sidewalk to watch the sky for birds soaring overhead. Do be careful of your footing. Many birdwatchers have learned that looking up and standing near a curb can be dangerous. Vehicles can be parked so that the viewer can see out over the expanse of the overlook to the sky beyond.
